The building, which was completed in 2012, is the tallest building in Western Europe and was designed by architect Renzo Piano. The Shard is certainly striking, but it has also been a source of controversy since it became part of the London's skyline.

Even so, the building is an impressive sight. "Construction of The Shard was complicated by the particularly tight site and therefore needed innovative planning," an Emporis jury member said. "This makes the result all the more impressive: A skyscraper that is recognized immediately and which is already considered London's new emblem."